February 2023

by Robin Astle.

From FBHVC Newsletter 2022 No. 5

Editorial by Wayne Scott Communications Director

The NEC Classic Motor Show felt as though it was back to full strength this year and certainly from a Federation point of view, it was the largest and most active Village Green yet. It not only showcased our partners and supporters highlights throughout the past year but also YOUR fantastic achievements with fundraising for Drive It Day to support the NSPCC’s Childline. It was wonderful to see the excitement around Drive It Day for 2023 so we hope we can exceed our wildest dreams and ambitions once again. Let’s proudly, as a community, deliver another “One Unforgettable Day” during next year’s opening day of the show – where we will fund another 24 hours (or more?!) of care and support for our nation’s young people.

Classic Motor Show created a busy schedule for me, which saw us present the annual Federation press conference on the Friday morning, followed by two sessions each day on the live stage as part of the various expert panels scheduled with Classic Car Weekly. The subjects ranged from ‘Alternative Fuels’ to ‘The Future of Historic Vehicle Clubs’ to ‘Encouraging the Younger Generation’ and it was great to have the opportunity to put across some positive messages about what is happening in the historic vehicle world, some optimism for the future, and indeed, how we at the Federation are helping facilitate these developments.

There will be a full and detailed report on the NEC Classic Motor Show in the New Year, but next our attentions turn to Club Expo in January. This event is a superb opportunity to meet other club officials and share ideas, plus hear from those in the historic vehicle world that are working on your behalf to secure the future of the movement in this ever-changing world.

One of the sessions at Club Expo will see me hosting a Q&A with Federation partner Peter James Insurance who have just re-launched an incredible car club insurance offering which truly helps car clubs re-invest in their organisations, plus provide truly compelling membership benefits to ensure members see value in renewing year on year. What is a real headline grabber with the new Peter James Club Insurance scheme, is that it is committed to helping bring young people into the movement by offering a realistic insurance policy that will enable them to get driving a historic vehicle through their club.

What is particularly unique is the way that the young driver offering is woven into their club scheme, giving historic vehicle clubs a real value to new and young audiences, and giving clubs an opportunity to nurture their young members through their early driving career in ways that previously were not possible.

DVLA by Ian Edmunds

As this issue of Federation News is scheduled to be distributed shortly before Christmas it would be appropriate to start with some cheering news but unfortunately, I do not have any! It is regrettably not within my power to generate good news only to pass it on and the denizens of DVLA secluded behind the Great Wall of Swansea currently seem particularly disinclined to provide us with any cheer.

There are however two items of information that I can share which may be of some interest. DVLA have finally confirmed that the contract for inspecting vehicles when the Agency deems it necessary is no longer with SGS but is now held by Davies Motor Engineering on behalf of Applus Car Testing Services Ltd. Other than the change of supplier the service and its objectives remain the same.

The legislation in Northern Ireland was amended in October 2020 to bring it in line with that on the mainland in exempting the majority of vehicles 40 years old or older from the MoT. At that time the system revisions necessary to permit EVL (electronic vehicle licensing) to recognise exempt vehicles were competing with other priorities at the height of the pandemic. As an alternative method of licensing was available via the Post Office it didn’t receive the highest priority. However, the necessary work is now completed and a test version went live around the beginning of October.

On the broader front we continue to strive to provide help and support to our members in their travails with DVLA with some issues dating back to last year. At the time of writing the attention that DVLA had promised to pay to our concerns has not materialised and indeed via member clubs we continue to learn of instances where additional long-standing arrangements are being revoked without warning or explanation. We have reiterated our concerns very firmly to senior DVLA staff and whilst awaiting any outcome are also making our concerns known in Westminster.

For personal reasons with which I will not trouble you Christmas is not my favourite time of year but the best possible Christmas present in 2022 would be an indication from Swansea that they are genuinely prepared to return to the days when they would take time to listen to our concerns, to understand them and work with us to find mutually acceptable solutions. But then again – I’m getting a little old to believe in Santa Claus!

Fuels by Nigel Elliott

E10 Petrol rolled out in Northern Ireland

1 November 2022, saw the initial roll out of E10 petrol in Northern Ireland. This move aligned Northern Ireland with Great Britain and could help cut carbon emissions across the UK – the equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off UK roads every year. A small number of older vehicles, including classic cars and some from the early 2000s, will continue to need E5 fuel, which is why supplies of E5 petrol will be maintained in the ‘super’ petrol grade. Motorists are advised to use the E10 compatibility checker to see if their vehicle is compatible. Check the FBHVC website for information on ethanol containing fuel and how to make your classic and historic vehicles compatible with E10. www.fbhvc.co.uk/fuels

Non-road gasoil (red diesel) British Standard

British Standards PTI/2 Fuels Committee are currently revising BS2869:- Fuel oils for agricultural, domestic and industrial engines and boilers.

In recent years manufacturers of tractors and non-road internal combustion engines have revised their requirements for red diesel to a higher standard with better ignition quality (Cetane). They now require all engines to be operated on BS EN590 road diesel quality with a minimum cetane number of 51.0 versus the current BS2869 requirement of 45.0. Much of the red diesel on sale in the UK already meets the BS EN590 requirements as it is often dual graded with road diesel as the specifications are very similar. The UK forward and national annex of BS EN590 will be updated to reflect that BS EN590 is now also recommended for off-road internal combustion engine use at the next opportunity. Meanwhile BS2869 is being revised to cover non-internal combustion engine use:- Fuel oils for agricultural, domestic, commercial and industrial fixed combustion applications. The revised draft BS2869 standard covers the following fuel grades:

• Class C1 kerosene for flueless applications (Paraffin)
• Class C2 kerosene for domestic fixed combustion applications
• Class D middle distillate fuels for commercial and industrial fixed combustion applications
• Classes E, F, G and H Residual fuels for industrial fixed combustion and process applications
• Class I fuels for industrial fixed combustion process applications.

A draft of the revised BS2869 specification should be available by year end for public comment before publication next year.